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Les Cayes, situated in Haiti’s Sud department, is a coastal city deeply interwoven with the geography of the Tiburon Peninsula. Located at 18.2000°N, -73.7500°W, the city sprawls across a relatively flat coastal plain, gently rising inland towards the foothills of the Massif de la Hotte mountain range. This terrain significantly influences air quality; the mountains act as a partial barrier to prevailing winds, potentially trapping pollutants during periods of calm. The city’s position on the Caribbean Sea exposes it to maritime influences, including sea breezes that can both disperse and transport pollutants. Les Cayes is a key regional hub, serving as a commercial and administrative centre for the surrounding agricultural lands – primarily smallholder farming of crops like mangoes, bananas, and coffee. While not heavily industrialised, local industries include food processing and fishing, contributing to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced, with densely populated areas near the port and market contrasting with more sparsely populated agricultural zones further inland. Dust from unpaved roads and agricultural activities, combined with sea spray, forms a baseline level of particulate matter. The city’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding also impacts air quality through debris and mould post-disaster.

Les Cayes experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from December to April, sees lower rainfall and increased dust resuspension from agricultural lands and unpaved roads, leading to elevated particulate matter concentrations. Calm wind conditions during this period exacerbate the issue, trapping pollutants near the city. February and March are often the dustiest months. The wet season, from May to November, brings relief through rainfall that washes away particulate matter, generally improving air quality. However, the hurricane season (June to November) presents a unique challenge. While heavy rainfall can temporarily cleanse the air, the aftermath of a storm brings widespread debris, mould growth, and potential release of hazardous materials, significantly degrading air quality. August and September, peak hurricane months, are particularly risky. Temperature inversions, common during the transition periods between seasons, can trap pollutants at ground level. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season and exercise caution following any significant weather event. Monitoring local weather reports and avoiding strenuous activity on dusty days is crucial.